ASTM D6927-22

Standard Test Method for Marshall Stability and Flow of Asphalt Mixtures

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
4.1 Marshall stability and flow values along with density, air voids in the total mix, voids in the mineral aggregate, or voids filled with asphalt binder, or both, filled with asphalt binder are used for laboratory mix design and evaluation of asphalt mixtures. In addition, Marshall stability and flow can be used to monitor the plant process of producing asphalt mixture. Marshall stability and flow may also be used to relatively evaluate different mixes and the effects of conditioning such as with water.  
4.1.1 Marshall stability and flow are asphalt mixture characteristics determined from tests of compacted specimens of a specified geometry. The Marshall Test can be conducted with two different types of equipment: (1) Method A—using a loading frame with a load ring and a dial gauge for deformation or flow meter (Traditional Method); or (2) Method B—using a load-deformation recorder in conjunction with a load cell and linear variable differential transducer (LVDT) or other automatic recording device (Automated Method).  
4.1.2 Typically, Marshall stability is the peak resistance load obtained during a constant rate of deformation loading sequence. However, depending on the composition and behavior of the mixture, a less defined type of failure has been observed, as illustrated in Fig. 1. As an alternative method, Marshall stability can also be defined as the load obtained when the rate of loading increase begins to decrease such that the curve starts to become horizontal, as shown in the bottom graph of Fig. 1. The magnitude of Marshall stability varies with aggregate type and grading and bitumen type, grade, and amount. Various agencies have criteria for Marshall stability.
FIG. 1 Flow Determination for Two Types of Specimen Failure  
4.1.3 Marshall flow is a measure of deformation (elastic plus plastic) of the asphalt mixture determined during the stability test. In both types of failure, the Marshall flow is the total sample deformation from the point whe...
SCOPE
1.1 This test method covers measurement of resistance to plastic flow of 4 in. (102 mm) cylindrical specimens of asphalt mixture loaded in a direction perpendicular to the cylindrical axis by means of the Marshall apparatus. This test method is for use with dense-graded asphalt mixtures prepared with asphalt binder (modified and unmodified) with maximum size aggregate up to 1 in. (25 mm) in size (passing 1 in. (25 mm) sieve).  
1.2 Units—The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical conversions to SI units that are provided for information only and are not considered standard.  
1.3 The text of this standard references notes and footnotes which provide explanatory material. These notes and footnotes (excluding those in tables and figures) shall not be considered as requirements of the standard.  
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.  
1.5 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 31-Oct-2022
• ICS: 93.080.20 - Road construction materials
• Technical Committee: D04 - Road and Paving Materials
• Drafting Committee: D04.20 - Mechanical Tests of Asphalt Mixtures

Standards Content (Sample)

This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
Designation: D6927 − 22
Standard Test Method for
1
Marshall Stability and Flow of Asphalt Mixtures
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D6927; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision.Anumber in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval.A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope D8Terminology Relating to Materials for Roads and Pave-
ments
1.1 This test method covers measurement of resistance to
D1188/D1188MTest Method for Bulk Specific Gravity and
plastic flow of 4 in. (102 mm) cylindrical specimens of asphalt
Density of Compacted Asphalt Mixtures Using Coated
mixture loaded in a direction perpendicular to the cylindrical
Samples
axis by means of the Marshall apparatus. This test method is
D2726/D2726MTest Method for Bulk Specific Gravity and
for use with dense-graded asphalt mixtures prepared with
Density of Non-Absorptive Compacted Asphalt Mixtures
asphalt binder (modified and unmodified) with maximum size
D3549/D3549MTest Method for Thickness or Height of
aggregate up to 1 in. (25 mm) in size (passing 1 in. (25 mm)
Compacted Asphalt Mixture Specimens
sieve).
D3666Specification for Minimum Requirements for Agen-
1.2 Units—The values stated in inch-pound units are to be
cies Testing and Inspecting Road and Paving Materials
regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses are
D6752/D6752MTest Method for Bulk Specific Gravity and
mathematical conversions to SI units that are provided for
Density of CompactedAsphalt Mixtures UsingAutomatic
information only and are not considered standard.
Vacuum Sealing Method
1.3 The text of this standard references notes and footnotes
D6926Practice for Preparation of Asphalt Mixture Speci-
which provide explanatory material.These notes and footnotes
mens Using Marshall Apparatus
(excluding those in tables and figures) shall not be considered
E2251Specification for Liquid-in-Glass ASTM Thermom-
as requirements of the standard.
eters with Low-Hazard Precision Liquids
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
3. Terminology
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
3.1 Definitions—For definitions of terms used in this test
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
method, refer to Terminology D8.
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
1.5 This international standard was developed in accor-
4. Significance and Use
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
4.1 Marshallstabilityandflowvaluesalongwithdensity,air
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
voids in the total mix, voids in the mineral aggregate, or voids
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
filledwithasphaltbinder,orboth,filledwithasphaltbinderare
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
used for laboratory mix design and evaluation of asphalt
mixtures. In addition, Marshall stability and flow can be used
2. Referenced Documents
to monitor the plant process of producing asphalt mixture.
2
2.1 ASTM Standards:
Marshall stability and flow may also be used to relatively
C670Practice for Preparing Precision and Bias Statements
evaluatedifferentmixesandtheeffectsofconditioningsuchas
for Test Methods for Construction Materials
with water.
4.1.1 Marshall stability and flow are asphalt mixture char-
1
acteristics determined from tests of compacted specimens of a
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D04 on Road
and Paving Materials and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D04.20 on
specified geometry. The Marshall Test can be conducted with
Mechanical Tests of Asphalt Mixtures.
two different types of equipment: (1) Method A—using a
Current edition approved Nov. 1, 2022. Published November 2022. Originally
loadingframewithaloadringandadialgaugefordeformation
approved in 2004. Last previous edition approved in 2015 as D6927–15. DOI:
10.1520/D6927-22.
or flow meter (Traditional Method); or (2) Method B—using a
2
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
load-deformation recorder in conjunction with a load cell and
contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
linear variable differential transducer (LVDT) or other auto-
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
the ASTM website. matic recording device (Automated Method).
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive,
...

This document is not an ASTM standard and is intended only to provide the user of an ASTM standard an indication of what changes have been made to the previous version. Because
it may not be technically possible to adequately depict all changes accurately, ASTM recommends that users consult prior editions as appropriate. In all cases only the current version
of the standard as published by ASTM is to be considered the official document.
Designation: D6927 − 15 D6927 − 22
Standard Test Method for
1
Marshall Stability and Flow of Asphalt Mixtures
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D6927; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope
1.1 This test method covers measurement of resistance to plastic flow of 4 in. (102 mm) cylindrical specimens of asphalt paving
mixture loaded in a direction perpendicular to the cylindrical axis by means of the Marshall apparatus. This test method is for use
with dense graded dense-graded asphalt mixtures prepared with asphalt cementbinder (modified and unmodified), cutback asphalt,
tar, and tar-rubber unmodified) with maximum size aggregate up to 1 in. (25 mm) in size (passing 1 in. (25 mm) sieve).
1.2 Units—The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical
conversions to SI units that are provided for information only and are not considered standard.
1.3 The text of this standard references notes and footnotes which provide explanatory material. These notes and footnotes
(excluding those in tables and figures) shall not be considered as requirements of the standard.
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility
of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety safety, health, and healthenvironmental practices and determine the
applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
1.5 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization
established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued
by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
2. Referenced Documents
2
2.1 ASTM Standards:
C670 Practice for Preparing Precision and Bias Statements for Test Methods for Construction Materials
D8 Terminology Relating to Materials for Roads and Pavements
D1188D1188/D1188M Test Method for Bulk Specific Gravity and Density of Compacted Asphalt Mixtures Using Coated
Samples
D2726D2726/D2726M Test Method for Bulk Specific Gravity and Density of Non-Absorptive Compacted Asphalt Mixtures
D3549D3549/D3549M Test Method for Thickness or Height of Compacted Asphalt Mixture Specimens
D3666 Specification for Minimum Requirements for Agencies Testing and Inspecting Road and Paving Materials
D6752D6752/D6752M Test Method for Bulk Specific Gravity and Density of Compacted Asphalt Mixtures Using Automatic
Vacuum Sealing Method
D6926 Practice for Preparation of Asphalt Mixture Specimens Using Marshall Apparatus
E2251 Specification for Liquid-in-Glass ASTM Thermometers with Low-Hazard Precision Liquids
1
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D04 on Road and Paving Materials and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D04.20 on Mechanical
Tests of Asphalt Mixtures.
Current edition approved Feb. 1, 2015Nov. 1, 2022. Published April 2015November 2022. Originally approved in 2004. Last previous edition approved in 20062015 as
D6927 – 06.D6927 – 15. DOI: 10.1520/D6927-15.10.1520/D6927-22.
2
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM Standards
volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on the ASTM website.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
1

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D6927 − 22
3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions:
3.1.1 lab mix lab compacted (LMLC) asphalt mixture, n—asphalt mix samples that are prepared in the laboratory by weighing and
blending each constituent then compacting the blended mixture using a laboratory compaction apparatus.
3.1.1.1 Discussion—
LMLC typically occurs during the asphalt mixture design phase. Laboratory compaction devices such as the Superpave Gyratory
Compactor, Marshall Hammer, or other laboratory compaction devices may be used.
3.1.2 plant mix laboratory compacted (PMLC) asphalt mixture, n—asphalt mixture samples that are manufactured in a production
plant, sampled prior to compaction, then immediately compacted using a laboratory comp
...